Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin is a delightful dish that marries the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes with the tart burst of cranberries, all enveloped in creamy Gruyère cheese. This comforting gratin has become a favorite in my kitchen, especially during the fall and winter months when cozy meals are a must. It’s perfect for family gatherings or holiday dinners, where it not only serves as a showstopper dish but also combines flavors and textures that everyone can appreciate.

Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe is on your must-try list for several reasons. Firstly, it beautifully balances flavors with sweet potatoes providing a comforting base, while cranberries add that zing that keeps every bite exciting. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. With minimal prep work involved, this gratin gives you time to focus on other dishes or simply enjoy the company of friends and family.

"I made this Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin for Thanksgiving, and it was a hit! The flavors are fantastic, and it looked stunning on the table."

How this recipe comes together
Making Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin isn’t just satisfying; it’s a straightforward process that yields delightful results. You will start with layering sliced sweet potatoes and cranberries, alternating with layers of Gruyère cheese until you create a creamy masterpiece. The breadcrumbs, once baked, add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth filling.

What you’ll need
To create this scrumptious dish, gather the following ingredients:

4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
1 cup milk or cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted

For a twist, you could substitute Gruyère cheese with cheddar or fontina, and for a little extra spice, add some freshly chopped thyme or rosemary.

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato slices, cranberries, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Start layering the mixture: arrange a layer of sweet potatoes in a greased baking dish.
Sprinkle a layer of Gruyère cheese over the sweet potatoes, followed by a layer of the cranberry mixture.
Repeat these layers until all the ingredients are used, making sure the top layer is cheese.
Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl and sprinkle this buttery mixture over the top layer of cheese.
Pour the milk or cream evenly over the entire dish.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Let the gratin cool for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to settle.

Best ways to enjoy it
Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin is delicious on its own or as the star of any meal. Serve it as a side to roasted meats, such as turkey or lamb, or alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter meal. You can also drizzle a little balsamic glaze on your plate for an extra touch of elegance.

Storage and reheating tips
To keep your Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also freeze portions of this gratin for up to a month, just ensure it’s well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn. Always check for any odd odors or textures before reheating.

Helpful cooking tips
For the best texture, slice your sweet potatoes as uniformly as possible, ensuring even cooking. If you’re short on time, you can microwave the sweet potatoes to soften them before slicing and layering. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different cheeses or herbs to customize the dish to your taste.

Creative twists
Looking for a different flavor profile? Try adding cooked spinach or kale for added nutrition and a splash of color. You could also incorporate nuts, like chopped pecans or walnuts, into the breadcrumb topping for a crunchy twist.

Your questions answered

How long does it take to prepare? The prep time is about 20 minutes, and the total cooking time is around 50-60 minutes.
Can I make this gratin ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and then bake just before serving.
What can I use instead of Gruyère cheese? Cheddar or mozzarella can be great substitutes, though they will change the flavor slightly.
How do I properly store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze for up to a month.
Can I use canned cranberries? While fresh and frozen are preferable for taste and texture, canned can work in a pinch, just ensure to drain them well.

This Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin is more than a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe, and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen!

Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin

A delightful dish that combines earthy sweet potatoes and tart cranberries enveloped in creamy Gruyère cheese, perfect for fall and winter gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 50

Total Time 1 10

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Servings 8 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced Ensure uniform slicing for even cooking.
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated Can be substituted with cheddar or fontina.
1 cup milk or cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup breadcrumbs Can incorporate nuts into the topping for crunch.
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato slices, cranberries, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Start layering the mixture by arranging a layer of sweet potatoes in a greased baking dish.
Sprinkle a layer of Gruyère cheese over the sweet potatoes, followed by a layer of the cranberry mixture.
Repeat these layers until all the ingredients are used, ensuring the top layer is cheese.
Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl and sprinkle this buttery mixture over the top layer of cheese.
Pour the milk or cream evenly over the entire dish.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Let the gratin cool for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to settle.

Notes

To keep leftovers fresh, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can freeze portions for up to a month.

Keyword comfort food, Cranberry Recipes, Holiday Dishes, Sweet Potato Gratin, Vegetable side